Meet the Team – Paul Irving

1. What is your position at BPD Zenith?

I’ve had many roles at BPD, starting in the Support Office in Carlisle, then working in delivery as a technician and eventually consultant roles in Aberdeen and Calgary. But 3 years ago I was asked to lead the newly formed Product Development team which I’ve been doing ever since.

2. What led you to choose this career path? What alternative career path would you have chosen and why?

When I was at school I wanted to be a lawyer! But I knew that was a tough field to get into and maybe wasn’t as glamorous as TV makes out to be. So I chose the much more glamorous Software Development path. I started out at University doing Information Systems with Business Studies but switched after 2 weeks, once I realised how much I enjoyed the programming taster sessions we had, to a Software Engineering degree.

3. Which part of your job do you most enjoy?

I love the problem solving and creation aspect of the job, the reward of being able to write some code that can make someone’s day a little bit easier. In my current role I get to try out new technologies with Maximo, like AI and IoT, which is always interesting too.

4. What do you like about working at BPD Zenith?

I’ve always felt like part of a team at BPD, whichever role I’ve been in. I know I can ask my colleagues and I’ll get the help I need, and that works both ways. We have team socials which have included drinks nights, Poker nights and Go Karting too.

5. What are the values that drive you?

I like to help people and make their lives easier where I can, I think this is a key value for me. Those who’ve worked on projects with me will also know how much the small things matter to me too – everything must have the right naming conventions and be done in the neatest way possible within Maximo whilst still delivering on time and in budget. This lines up with BPDs values too.

6. What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?

I have a lot of animals to look after, I have a dog, a cat, 7 ducks, 30 chickens and 50 cows, luckily it’s only the dog that needs to be walked. I also like to run, it helps clear my mind and allows me to not feel so guilty about the amount of takeaways and meals out I enjoy having too. I love to travel, I visited 5 countries last year and like to get up into Scotland for weekends away when I can.

7. What’s a work-related accomplishment you’re really proud of?

In 2018, BPD started working closely with our distribution partner Tech Data and we developed a model for what is now growing into our LoveYourAsset solution. In early 2019, we had working demos that we were able to take to the IBM IoT Exchange in Orlando and later that year we won an IBM Beacon award for Business Development in the IoT space. I’m proud to see how a project can grow and get the business recognition.

8. What’s your favourite way to unwind after a busy day?

Definitely a long dog walk with a Podcast, either a true crime or comedy; something to take my mind to another place for a while.

9. What would we most likely find you doing on the weekend?

I’ll be visiting my family or friends, or head out to the Lake District with the dog. My partner and I would likely head to a local pub or restaurant for dinner and there’d no doubt be some alcohol consumed too.